Neville Bowes Elliott-Cooper VC

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, an officer rushed out of his dug-out upon hearing that the enemy had broken through the outpost line. Unarmed, he led the Reserve Company and Battalion Headquarters to force the enemy back 600 yards, despite being severely wounded. Realizing that his men were greatly outnumbered and suffering heavy casualties, he signaled for them to withdraw, fully aware that this decision would result in his own capture. His prompt and gallant actions gained time for the reserves to move up and occupy the line of defence.

Extract from The London Gazette

Name:	Lieutenant Colonel Neville Bowes Elliott-Cooper VC DSO MC
Born:	22 Jan 1889; Lancaster Gate, London.
Died:	11 Feb 1918; No. 1 (Reserver) Prisoner of War Camp, Lazaret, Hanover.
Buried:	Hamburg Cemetery, VA16, Hanover.
Unit:	8th Battalion The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Date of Action:	30 Nov 1917
Place:	Bonavis Ridge, east of La Vacquerie (Battle of Cambrai), France
Rank:	Temporary Lieutenant Colonel
Gazetted:	The London Gazette of 13 Feb 1918, Num. 30523, p. 2003
VC No:	925
Presented:	25 May 1918 by King George V at Buckingham Palace to his parents, Sir Robert & Lady Fanny.
Displayed:	Royal Fusiliers Museum, Tower of London
References:	[39]
Connection:	Educated at Eton College. Named on the VC/GC Memorial at Eton College.
Awards:	Victoria Cross Military Cross Distinguished Service Order 1914 – 15 Star British War Medal (1914 – 20) Victory Medal (1914 – 19)
Notes:	Youngest son of Sir Robert Elliott-Cooper, K.C.B. Died as a prisoner of war at Hanover from wounds received in action at Cambrai. He was severely wounded in the hip during the action on 30 November 1917 and was taken prisoner.

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